Ask a friend or family member to help you trace the shape of your ear to make the process easier.
Alternatively, conduct a general image search online for an elf ear template, and then print one that matches the style and shape you have in mind. Just make sure to size the width and length of the image to the outline of your ear. Otherwise, it may not cover your ear.
Be careful not to create a thick line if you are using a fabric marker, as it might bleed through the felt. You can purchase felt at a local craft store or online with major retailers. Instead of felt you can also use colored construction paper or even a thin piece of crafting foam. Both of which can be purchased at a local craft store or online with major retailers. If you are unable to find a material that is close to your skin tone, consider tracing the shape onto a plain, white piece of paper, and using colored pencils or crayons to color it to match your skin tone.
Repeat this process for the other 2 felt pieces. Just make sure to layer the pieces so you wind up with a left and a right ear if the elf ear shapes are not symmetrical. To make the ears bendy, lay small pieces of thin, jewelry wire along the edge of the ear before piping on the hot glue. When assembled, you will be able to bend the wire within the ear to shape it. Alternatively, leave the bottom edge unglued and open if you want to slip the felt ears over your own ears.
If you have short hair, consider putting on a skullcap to protect the short pieces of hair around your ears.
Be careful not to bend or contort the shape of your ear to avoid cutting off the blood flow through your ear. Refrain from using tape that is wide and has a strong adhesive, like packaging tape, as this will be difficult to apply and will be hard to remove. Similarly, avoid using painter’s tape to do this, as the adhesive may not withstand the oils produced by your skin.
Continue building layers of tape until the top of your ear is concealed, and you are satisfied with the shape of the point. Repeat this taping process for your other ear. Try to shape the point of the ear similar to the first one you created.
Repeat this concealing process for your other taped ear. Put some of the concealer and eyeshadow over the skin on your ear to blend of the edges of the tape if needed. Instead of concealer, you can also use a liquid foundation that matches your skin tone.
When you are finished wearing your elf ears, simply clip back your hair to get it out of the way if needed, and then slowly pull the tape off and discard it.
Make the triangle equilateral for a subtly pointed ear or create an elongated triangle for a more dramatic elf ear. If you make your triangle too thick, then your finished mold will be too large for your ear. Similarly, if you make the triangle too thin, it might snap when you go to remove your mold. You can purchase modeling clay at your local craft or department store, or online with major retailers.
This outline will be the boundary for where you apply the liquid latex to create the elf ear prosthetics. Repeat this process for the other side of the triangle, making sure that the shape of the traced lines match.
You can purchase liquid latex at a local craft store or online with major retailers.
This will create a base coat of liquid latex for your elf ear. You can use a small brush to apply the liquid latex, but the brush will be ruined after doing so.
Alternatively, speed up the process by blow-drying the coat of liquid latex. Use the low speed on the cool setting and hold the hair-dryer at least 6 in (15 cm) away from the latex. Otherwise, the air pressure will put ripples into your prosthetic ear.
Use a cosmetic powder like a high definition powder.
If desired, dust the inside of the prosthetic with more powder to keep it from sealing itself closed.
When you are done, you will have 2 elf ear prosthetics.
Make sure to pin back any hair by your ear to keep it from sticking to the liquid latex as it dries.
Be careful not to get any of the liquid latex in your hair while doing this. Repeat this application process for the second prosthetic.
Repeat this concealing process for the second prosthetic. Then enjoy the look of your custom latex elf ears! Use soap and warm water to gently remove the latex prosthetic. If you are careful enough, you may even be able to reuse your prosthetic in the future.
